• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
Although this species is poorly known, its population is small and declining owing to loss and degradation of habitat and predation by invasive mammals, likely forming several moderately small subpopulations. For these reasons it has been classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The species is thought to be generally rare, although it can be locally common and is possibly under-recorded (Cleere and Nurney 1998; Raffaele et al. 1998; Cleere and Sharpe 2020). Surveys at Las Cruces, Sierra de Bahoruco, in March 1996 revealed 4.5 individuals/km², essentially unchanged from 4.8 individuals/km² during surveys in the same area in 1976. Based on this density, and assuming that only 10% of the range are occupied to account for the species's rarity and apparent declines outside of the Sierra de Bahoruco (see eBird 2021), the total population is estimated at 6,210 individuals, equating to 4,140 mature individuals.

The population structure has not been investigated. Based on observational records (eBird 2021), it is tentatively assumed that the species forms at least three subpopulations in the south, the centre and the north of Hispaniola. Their sizes are unknown, but assuming a roughly equal size each subpopulation may number just above 1,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The species is thought to be declining at a slow to moderate rate, and it has apparently disappeared from parts of its range where it used to be common in the past, particularly in Haiti (Cleere and Sharpe 2020). Over the last three generations (11.7 years; Bird et al. 2020), 7% of tree cover has been lost in the range (Global Forest Watch 2021). The species is also suffering from low levels of predation by invasive mammals (S. Latta in litt. 2006; Cleere and Sharpe 2020). The rate of decline is therefore tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over three generations.

Siphonorhis brewsteri is found in central and west Dominican Republic (particularly on the north slope of the Sierra de Baoruco, between Oviedo and Pedernales, as well as near Furnia de Gurabo), Haiti (between Arcahaie and Montruis north of Port-au-Prince) and, in the past, was numerous on Ile de la Gonâve (Raffaele et al. 1998; E. Fernandez in litt. 2020). Its status in large parts of Haiti is however unclear by now (Cleere and Sharpe 2020).

The species is found in arid or semi-arid lowlands, especially scrubby woodland with cactus, and also broadleaf, pine or mixed forest up to 800 m (Cleere and Nurney 1998; Cleere and Sharpe 2020). It perches inconspicuously by day on branches close to the ground. It is crepuscular and nocturnal, calling at night.

The species is threatened by habitat destruction through logging of forests and burning of scrubland, as well as low levels of predation by introduced mammals, including mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) and rats (Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus)  (Raffaele et al. 1998; Cleere and Sharpe 2020).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park (Dominican Republic). 

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to obtain more precise range, population and trend estimates. Assess the species's status in Haiti, including Gonâve Island. Investigate the causes of the population decline to quantify the relative impact of habitat loss and predation. Prevent habitat destruction at key sites. Consider trapping introduced predators at key sites.

17-21.5 cm. Overall greyish brown streaked with black. Broad buff nuchal collar and white chest-band. Wing coverts boldly tipped with white. Barred below. Sexes are believed to be similar. Similar spp. Nighthawks are larger and have a very different flight. Greater Antillean Nightjar Caprimulgus cubanensis is larger with more extensive white at the tail corners and a buff rather than white chest-band. Voice a croaking, half-whispered gu-ek followed by drawn-out, gutteral pau-rá-kay.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Bird, J., Butchart, S., Capper, D., Fernandez, E., Isherwood, I., Latta, S., Mahood, S., Rimmer, C. & Sharpe, C.J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Least Poorwill Siphonorhis brewsteri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/least-poorwill-siphonorhis-brewsteri on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.